In the news: Jaguar Land Rover developing next-gen 3D cockpit displays

Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is developing next-generation head-up display technology that it says could beam real-time safety information in front of the driver, and allow passengers to stream 3D movies direct from their seats as part of a shared, autonomous future.

Engineers are working on a powerful new 3D head-up display to project safety alerts, such as lane departure, hazard detection, sat-nav directions, and to reduce the effect of poor visibility in poor weather or light conditions. Augmented reality would add the perception of depth to the image by mapping the messages directly onto the road ahead.

Studies conducted in Germany, show that the use of Stereoscopic 3D displays in an automotive setting can improve reaction times on 'popping-out' instructions and increases depth judgments while driving.

In the future, innovative technology could be used by passengers to watch 3D movies. Head and eye-tracking technology would follow the user's position to ensure they can see 3D pictures without the need for individual screens or shutter glasses worn at the cinema.

JLR maintains that in a fully autonomous future, the 3D displays would offer users a personalised experience and allow ride-sharers to independently select their own infotainment. Several passengers sharing a journey would be able to enjoy their own choice of media – including journey details, points of interest or movies – and optimised for where they are sat.

The research – undertaken in partnership with the Centre for Advanced Photonics and Electronics (CAPE) at University of Cambridge – is focused on developing an immersive head-up display, which will closely match real-life experience allowing drivers to react more naturally to hazards and prompts.

"Not only does it provide a much richer experience for customers, but it also forms part of our Destination Zero roadmap; helping us to move towards a safer, more intuitive and smarter future, for everybody," said Valerian Meijering, Human Machine Interface and Head-Up Display researcher for Jaguar Land Rover.

Professor Daping Chu, director of Centre for Photonic Devices and Sensors and director of the Centre for Advanced Photonics and Electronics said: "This programme is at the forefront of development in the virtual reality space – we're looking at concepts and components which will set the scene for the connected, shared and autonomous cars of the future. CAPE Partners are world-leading players strategically positioned in the value chain network. Their engagement provides a unique opportunity to make a greater impact on society and further enhance the business value of our enterprises."

The next-generation head-up display research forms part of the development into Jaguar Land Rover's 'Smart Cabin' vision: applying technologies which combine to create a personalised space inside the vehicle for driver and passengers with enhanced safety, entertainment and convenience features as part of an autonomous, shared future.

Together, these efforts are driving towards Destination Zero; Jaguar Land Rover's ambition to make societies safer and healthier, and the environment cleaner. Delivered through relentless innovation to adapt its products and services to the rapidly-changing world, the company's focus is on achieving a future of zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion.

Microsoft and Faurecia have announced a partnership to create disruptive, connected and personalised services inside the 'Cockpit of the Future'.

The two say that by combining expertise in edge-computing, artificial intelligence, cloud-based services, cockpit systems integration and consumer insights, Faurecia targets to collaborate with Microsoft to develop digital services based on Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform to 'reinvent the on-board experience for all occupants'.

Faurecia has also chosen Microsoft Cloud Azure as its preferred cloud platform.

Patrick Koller, Chief Executive Officer of Faurecia says: "Consumers today expect digital continuity between home, office and car. The collaboration with Microsoft will enable us to offer disruptive experiences so that vehicle occupants can use their time for different activities such as immersive gaming or working. This is another key step in building our differentiating ecosystem to accelerate innovation."

During the next CES to be held in Las Vegas from January 7 to 10, 2020, both companies will showcase the first milestones of this technology collaboration.

Many automotive companies are looking to collaborate with IT firms outside of the traditional automotive eco-system and value chain as the industry tilts towards the growth opportunities presented by 'Mobility as a Service' (Maas) inside increasingly automated vehicles.

EDAG, along with nine European partners, has developed a new hybrid joining process which will make the production of lightweight components for the automotive industry more efficient.

In the EU research project, FlexHyJoin, weight-optimised combinations of steel and thermoplastic polymer composites were produced in a fully automatic manufacturing cell.

EDAG says this was carried out without the use of any adhesives or mechanical joining elements during the fusion of extremely different materials.

"In terms of cost and production time savings, the advantages of this hybrid joining technology are considerable," said an EDAG statement. "In addition, lighter components in the automotive industry reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of vehicles and thus have a positive effect on the environment.

"In an application demonstrator, a 40% weight-saving potential compared to the reference construction method in steel was produced and the suitability of the FlexHyJoin technology for mass production was demonstrated at the same time.

"A roof reinforcement made of continuous glass fibre-reinforced polyamide 6 with metal connecting elements was joined in the fully automatic manufacturing cell. The new hybrid joining technology has the potential to become an important basis for new mobility concepts and, for example, to help establish lightweight design in eMobility."

EDAG also sees opportunities for using FlexHyJoin technology as a lightweight solution for exterior and interior components.

Supplier Brose says it has developed mechatronic systems that will offer vehicle owners an entirely new access experience and pave the way to automated driving and car-sharing trends.

The family-owned supplier also hails its USP: it says only Brose offers 'perfectly harmonised and connected door and interior products from a single source'.

Brose says that even from a distance the car can recognise and welcome the driver with a projection on the ground. With a gesture, the vehicle user signals their desire to enter. The handle-free doors open automatically; a radar sensor prevents collisions, it says.

At the same time the windows that were tinted to protect against heat and prying eyes become transparent. The steering wheel disappears into the dashboard and the seat contour adjusts automatically. The second row of seats is also completely electrified for better access to the back and can slide automatically – without making any compromises in terms of safety: an interior sensor recognises people, pets and children's seats in the vehicle and prevents injuries and/or damages.

Buckling up is also more comfortable as the belt is either easily accessible directly at the seat or is presented to the passenger electrically.

Brose says it has blended its mechanical, electric, electronic and sensor technology expertise to further develop its vehicle access system.

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